Labour tells employers to take precautions for workers due to cold weather

The Labour Department (LD) today reminded employers to take precautions for their workers with Hong Kong is expected to continue to have cold weather in the next few days.

The LD issued the reminder as local media reported that a 90-year-old woman died in Chai Wan while five others were brought to hospitals for hypothermia, a medical emergency when the body loses heat and has dangerously low temperature.

The Hong Kong Observatory had also issued the Cold Weather Warning with the temperature in Ngong Ping reaching a low of 7.1 degrees Celsius as of 1:20 p.m. today (December 31).

The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions,” the LD said in a statement.

It said these precautions include reminding employees “who have to work outdoors or in remote areas to wear appropriately warm clothing, and make arrangements for employees to rotate from outdoor to indoor or sheltered work sites as far as possible.”

“Employees should take note of the weather report, wear appropriately warm clothing and be mindful of their health conditions,” the LD said.

“They should notify their supervisors and seek medical help immediately if feeling unwell, such as having cold limbs and body shivering,” it added.

The Observatory issued the Cold Weather Warning at 6 a.m. today and advised people to put on warm clothes and ensure adequate indoor ventilation.

“People are also advised to avoid prolonged exposure to wintry winds to avoid getting cold and having adverse health effects,” the Observatory said.

It said who know of elderly persons or persons with chronic medical conditions staying alone should call or visit them occasionally to check if they need any assistance.

“Make sure heaters are safe before use, and place them away from any combustibles. Do not light fires indoors as a means to keep warm,” the Observatory said.

“Please ensure that there is plenty of fresh air in your room when you are using an old-type gas water heater,” it added.

According to the Observatory, temperatures in HK will range from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius tomorrow (January 1), 11 to 14 degrees on Wednesday, 12 to 16 degrees on Thursday, and 15 to 19 degrees on Friday.